Brian Dusablon

I’m reading a lot of “year-in-review” posts this weekend. It’s encouraging, as most of them are positive and folks are doing great things.

The most remarkable of these articles comes from Seth Godin. It’s remarkable because it was written nine years ago, but could have been written today and been just as relevant and inspiring.

The thing is, we still live in a world that’s filled with opportunity. In fact, we have more than an opportunity — we have an obligation. An obligation to spend our time doing great things. To find ideas that matter and to share them. To push ourselves and the people around us to demonstrate gratitude, insight, and inspiration. To take risks and to make the world better by being amazing.

Seth Godin – “The Chance of a Lifetime”

I may or may not post a “year-in-review” article, but I do know this: I’m in a  good place. I am lucky to be alive. I can’t wait to see what’s next. These are extraordinary times, marvelous times even.

Wherever you ride, whatever your name
This raw cold life is a beautiful thing
And we are alive in amazing times
Delicate hearts, diabolical minds

Revelations, hatred, love and war
And more and more and more and more
And more of less than ever before
It’s just too much more for your mind to absorb

It’s scary like hell but there’s no doubt
We can’t be alive in no time but now

Mos Def – “Life in Marvelous Times”

Sure, uncertainty and craziness persists, but that will never change. That’s life. It’s how you respond to the challenges that matters, right?

I’m choosing to do, rather than watch. I encourage you to do the same.

Required Reading (from Jane Bozarth)

Congratulations Typekit

Please Don’t Call Them Avatars… Unless They Are Avatars – Word.

Can I Use – Great resource. Thanks Judy!

Learning 2011 Conference Backchannel – David Kelly does a great job with these collections

Omnifocus and Siri

Human Centered Design Toolkit – For years, businesses have used human-centered design to develop innovative solutions. Why not apply the same approach to overcome challenges in the nonprofit world? (via Jason)

Designing the Invisible

How To Think And Communicate Visually

Team Treehouse – What do you want to learn today?

Now Entering the Decade of Learning – Great link from Chad

Kurt Hanks – Paradigm mapping. Awesomness (via The Beard)

If we’re going to make our neighborhoods and communities better, if we’re going to improve the places we dwell… we need to be the heroes we’re seeking. You only become a hero by doing something brave, which requires you to have fear.

My advice to everyone: steer into the fear… and grow.

- Aaron Silvers: “Steer Into the Fear“

…we are a community. Let’s continue to fight for each other, encourage each other, and work together to make amazing things.

We are the 3rd-party family of Apple nerds. Let’s make a dent.

- Shawn Blanc: “3rd-Party Family”

I’m not going to be coy about it. Steve Jobs has made things that have been part of my life since I was six years-old. The man, through his craft, influenced the man I’m still becoming.

- Aaron Silvers: “Influence“

A brilliant man has exited 1 Infinite Loop. But his influence will be felt for years to come. Just watch this.